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will come. How are you so strong as you go through che- mo? How are you so at peace even though you're going through financial hardship? How do you keep such a positive outlook when this world seems so dim? In other words, what's the reason for the hope that is within you? Refer back to the answer you wrote down on page 5, and keep practicing your answers. While apologetics—defending the faith—is certainly a valuable tool and definitely has its place in the life of all Christians, notice here the defense you're giving is for the hope you have in Jesus. It's an answer based on your personal experience of hope in Jesus. While sharing compelling evidence from science and history in giving witness to your faith can be helpful, you don't need to have an academic dissertation ready to be a faithful wit- ness. Moreover, don't let that keep you from sharing wit- ness altogether. Keep it personal and share from your heart. Why do you have hope? What does Jesus mean to you? "Do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame" How do we share? With gentleness, respect, and a good conscience. In a way that communicates your genuine care to the other person. You're not here to win an ar- gument. You're here to give a faithful account of your experience with Jesus. Remember, you will be blessed and rewarded if you suffer or are slandered for your wit- ness. Let even your response to slander be witness to the fact that you hold Christ in your heart as holy. Let people wonder at how you live even as they slander you. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13). Amen. w Scripture: ESV® But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:14–16) Lutheran Life 15 Amy Bird is a child of God and wife of Aaron. She holds an M.A. in Systemat- ic Theology from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and is continually amazed at how precisely God's Word speaks into life today. About This Issue's Author

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